Defensive mistakes cost Fullers (From Watford Observer)

Defensive mistakes cost Fullerians against Stevenage

9:57am Thursday 2nd February 2012 in Local Sport

Lapses in defence cost Fullerians as they fell to a 38-20 home defeat at the hands of Stevenage.

Fullers were also wasteful in attack as they failed to convert good field position into points.

The visitors started well and scored in the opening minutes as the ball was turned over by Stevenage and they barged their way over the line.

From the early setback Fullerians composed themselves and earned a penalty as Stevenage were caught off side, Dan Evans duly converted.

Stevenage then stepped up a gear and began to stretch the host’s defence and, aided by some weak tackling by Fullers, scored three tries without reply. The home side continued to battle though and showed good organisation in attack. Just before half time Fullers reduced the deficit as wing Sam Tinsley evaded challenged to score a converted try.

The second period began with Fullers 10-24 down and they knew they would have to get the first try after the restart.

Unfortunately for the hosts it was Stevenage who increased their lead as a kick bounced off the Fullers defence allowing the visitor’s centre to cross the line.

Again Fullerians rallied and substitute Shaun Smith made an impact as he showed great strength to power under the posts.

Fullers sensed they could take something from the game as the big Stevenage side began to tire.

Using the width of the pitch and with good ball retention the home side went through the motions with great effect.

But once again the ball was kicked or Fullers gave away a penalty for ill discipline leaving the referee no choice but to reverse his initial decision.

To add insult to injury, one poor kick by Fullers was picked up by Stevenage who ran the length of the field to score in the corner.

Skipper Jamie Molloy said his side’s first half display left them with too much to do in the second period: “We started slowly and our first up tackling in the first half was poor.

"We knew the Stevenage side would tire in the second half but we let too many soft tries in the first half making a mountain to climb.

“We looked good going forward and showed Great Spirit to get back in the game which we need to take in to next week away to St. Albans.”